Tributes are pouring in from around the world of football after the tragic death of Diego Maradona.
The Argentina icon, best known for leading his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, passed away aged 60 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home.
Maradona, widely considered one of the greatest players of all-time, left a huge mark on the game.
And figures from around the world of football have been quick to pay tribute to the former Napoli and Barcelona star, who was manager of Argentinian club side Gimnasia.
It is understood UEFA will hold a minute’s silence at all of Wednesday night’s Champions League matches in Maradona’s memory.
Real Madrid – great rivals of one of Maradona’s former clubs, Barcelona – paid tribute to “one of the greatest players in all history”.
“Diego Armando Maradona leaves an immense legacy, which has become a myth for millions of fans around the world,” the club said in a statement.
Liverpool tweeted: “A true great of the game. Rest in peace, Diego Maradona.”
And Boca Juniors, where Maradona made his name before securing a then world-record transfer to Barcelona, tweeted: “Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego.”
Stay tuned for live updates as further news and tributes pour in for the iconic Diego Maradona from across the world.
Meanwhile, former England captain David Beckham has paid tribute to Maradona, hailing him as a “pure genius”.
“A sad day for Argentina and a sad day for football as we celebrate the greatness of what this man gave us… Someone that played with passion, spirit and was nothing less than a pure genius .. I was so excited to meet Diego and we will all miss him. Rest In Peace.”
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was a friend to Diego Maradona and his son Maurizio posted the following message on behalf of his father
“Broken with pain. Diego, you were my hero and friend, I was so fortunate to have shared football and life with you. You will always be in my heart. All my love to your family.”
Ronnie ‘the rocket’ O’Sullivan, who has enjoyed plenty of moments of brilliance and controversy himself, was quick to hail the passing of a true sporting legend.
O’Sullivan said: “I would rather have a short life with tremendous highs than be beige. And Diego Maradona was one of those.
“There have been billions of people on the planet but maybe only 10 in sport have broken through to that level – like Tiger Woods and Muhammad Ali.
“The memory I have of Maradona is of him basically winning the World Cup for Argentina on his own. He was amazing. “
While Naples continues to mourn, tributes continue to pour out from Napoli players.
Dries Mertens himself has a huge affection in the city, having spent almost a decade with the club.
But the Belgian international has apologised to Maradona if he was ever put on the same level as his idol.
“You were the first thing that came to my mind when I signed for Naples,” he posted on social media. “Wearing the blue shirt will mean even more from now on. Napoli lost part of its soul today. You were, and will always be, an inspiration to all of us.
“If my name has ever been placed next to yours, I apologize, I will never be at your level. What you did for “our” city will go down in history forever. It was an honour to have met you. Forever my idol.”
The Hand of God, Maradona has left us. In 86 we both won our championships. They use to compare the two of us. He was one of my hero’s and a friend. I respected him so much. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/E5j6DSfJas
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 25, 2020
The Man City boss took time in his post-match press conference to pay tribute to Maradona.
In particular, Guardiola recognised the fact that City striker Sergio Aguero has a close familial connection, whilst also recognising his influence across the world.
“Firstly, support for Sergio [Aguero], Diego was his son’s grandfather,” he told BT Sport.
“There was a banner in Argentina years ago that said: ‘It doesn’t matter what you have done with your life, it matters what you have done with our lives’.
“There are a few incredible players in all history and he’s one of them. For people of our generation, the World Cup in 1986, in Mexico – it was something to make this sport better.
“I think on behalf of Manchester City and for all his family. A big hug.”
From Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who is often placed on the top pedestal with Maradona when ranking the best in history has paid tribute to Maradona, saying: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
“I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Paying tribute to Maradona, Bryan Robson said: “What a player he was – undoubtedly the best of his era and up there with the likes of Pele among the greatest ever.
“He won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina more or less on his own. The football he played and the goals he scored in that tournament were unbelievable.
“He went past five players to score against England in the quarter-final and then did exactly the same against Belgium in the semi-final.
“He was a real character too. I played with him in quite a few charity games and he was a great person to be around.
“Of course, we met in 1984 as well. It was a great evening for us and people still talk about it 36 years later.
“To come back from 2-0 down against Barcelona is a great result at any time, but to do it against a team containing Maradona and Bernd Schuster made it even more special.
“It’s a sad day for football but he leaves us with some fantastic memories.”
Brazilian hero Pele has paid tribute to Maradona, admitting he is sad to “lose friends this way”.
He added: “Certainly one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above.”
